There is one question that dominates the life of a college student until the day she struts down the graduation stage in a ridiculously ugly muumuu and square hat to snatch up the piece of paper that will be the platform for all her future success. We have all heard and asked this question numerous times — unless you live in a soundproof bubble. The ominous inquiry I refer to is: "What's your major?"
People often disregard the sensitive nature of this issue, not taking into account the struggle involved in deciding upon one's major. Many of us have toiled over our course catalogs, searching for the classes that interest us the most while keeping in mind the fact that our entire future seems to ride upon the major we choose.
When we do find a degree that suits us, we are then scrutinized for our future plans with that major. Being an English major, I am frequently subjected to a very droll conversation, which proceeds as such:
Stranger: "So what's your major?"
Me: "English. Creative writing, actually."
Stranger: "Oh…"
*Brief awkward pause filled with false smiles*
Stranger: "What do you want to do with that? Are you going to be a teacher?"
Me: "No. I'm hoping to find a way to support myself through my writing."
Stranger: "Ahahahahahahahahahahaahahaha! Ahem, excuse me. Well, good luck with that."
Me: "Thanks a lot, assface. When my best-selling novel comes out in hardback, I'll be sure to bring you a copy personally and beat you to death with it."
The problem here is that people make quick judgments based on the career aspirations of others. It would be understandable if one was determined to become a poacher of endangered species or the head of a human trafficking organization, but instead, I am belittled for my love of literature. At least poachers get fear and respect.
Writers are perceived as introverted weaklings who write angry things in their journals instead of doing anything of significance with their time. I should start carrying a harpoon with me to break the stereotype, and to keep the laughter of fools at bay.
Believe it or not, there are a lot of things you can do with an English major, from teaching to advertising to publishing and everything in between. Truth be told, there are many things you can do with just about any degree. Martin Luther King Jr. once pleaded with the nation to judge not by the color of one's skin, but by the content of their character. I now ask you to not judge by the choice of one's major, be it business or ceramics, but by the clothing brands they wear. For example, those who choose to wear brand-less outfits should be considered "Untouchables" a.k.a. outcasts from society.
All right, the last coule of lines are a joke. I just could not think of anything better than "the content of their character," which MLK called dibs on long ago. Really though, is it so hard to show a little support for people with far-reaching dreams? Must we all be so cynical about the ambitions of others? I am tired of the defeatist attitude that is permeating our society, where we have failed before we even get started.
MLK had a dream, why can't I? It is time for us to start living by the inspirational quotes spouted by such icons as MLK, instead of just writing them in yearbooks and hanging them on office walls.
I had a dream of choosing the major that was right for me, and I did it. So can you. Reach for the stars, go for the gold, and dance like no one's watching…or I will come to your house with a harpoon and a hardcover copy of my best-selling book and force you to.
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